“But why? I have done nothing wrong. I do not want to marry!” Alice Whiteshead was on the verge of stomping her foot. Her father’s dictate was making no sense. She did not even know the man he was proposing that she would marry nor had she ever met him!

“Alice, love, sit and calm down. Listen to your father.” Her grandmother admonished.

“I do not want to sit down. I would rather take this punishment standing up. For that is exactly what it is, no matter how much shine you apply to it.”

“Alice Marie Whiteshead! I do not suffer fools or bad manners! Your behavior is unacceptable. Take a seat, now, and listen to your father!”

Cecelia Whiteshead, the Dowager Baroness, had not intended to speak during this interview but only be there for moral support should her granddaughter require her assistance. But Alice’s childish attitude was beyond the pale, and Cecelia was forced to assert her authority. Her son, Nathan, the current Baron of Montcalm, was too soft when it came to his daughter.

Chagrined, Alice sat in the chair beside her grandmother and dropped her eyes. “I apologize for my ill manners, Grandmama. My only excuse is I was quite taken by surprise.” Lifting her eyes to her father, she added, “Please Father, continue. I will try to refrain from further outbursts until you explain this bizarre proposal.”

“Alice…” The warning was clear in her grandmother’s voice.

Smothering a sigh, she looked back down. “I meant until I can comprehend this outlandish scheme.”

“Alice Marie!” She could not pretend to misinterpret the warning in her grandmother’s voice this time. She had already used her full name once.

Fear of her grandmother and of the dire consequences that would ensue caused Alice to shudder. She quickly checked her demeanor. “Father, I apologize, truly. Please, help me understand why this drastic measure is necessary. I cannot fathom what I have done to deserve such extreme action. I have been home but two months, and most of that time has been spent on acquiring a proper wardrobe. Why, I have not had the opportunity to have been involved in any mischief…yet.”

The baron sighed. Taking the seat behind his desk, he struggled to explain the situation to his daughter. “Dear, it is not always what you have done but what others believe you have done. Public perception is everything in our society.”

“You mean the ton to which I have not been a welcome member for many years. Again through no fault of my own.” Alice sniffed. It was possible that her previous history could be used to sway her father’s decision, but it was doubtful. She was desperate enough to use every weapon at her disposal.

“Alice, you were seen leaving the study of Lord Ballentine two nights ago during the ball in honor of his daughter’s engagement.”

Alice blinked. That would not be enough to warrant forcing her to marry. “Father, you well know we attended that function. But I was only there for no more than a half hour at most as I had a wardrobe malfunction and asked Grandmama to take me home directly. I did not have adequate time to inspect Lord Ballentine’s home, let alone locate his study.” Although her inquisitive mind would have caused her to search had she had the time, but such was not the case.

“Let me finish, dear. Directly following your departure, the Duke of Lovelton exited the same room, straightening his cravat.”

“What?” Alice shot to her feet. “I was never in the study. I never exited the study. And I have never ever laid eyes on this…this duke!” She wrung her hands. “Why should I be punished for another’s actions? You know it was not me!”

Alice turned to her grandmother, beseeching her help. “Please, Grandmama! Please, tell Father none of this is true! Please, please, don’t allow this travesty of justice to occur. I am innocent. Innocent!” She covered her face with her hands, her tears now flowing freely.

“Now, now, child. All will be well. Allow your father to explain.” Her grandmother patted her arm.

Nathan cleared his throat. “As I said, my dear, it is what they perceive as truth. Whether you are guilty or not does not matter. As of two days ago your reputation is in shambles, and you are officially ruined as far as the ton is concerned.”

Скачать книгу

Table of Contents